Light fixture chandelier

ABSTRACT

A LIGHTING FIXTURE, CHANDELIER AND THE LIKE, WITH A MAJOR CORE PORTION ENGAGEABLE WITH A CEILING FOR SUSPENSION OF THE FIXTURE, AND AN ANNULAR CROWN BODY PORTION CARRIED BY THE CORE PORTION ON FRAMEWORK RADIATING FROM THE CORE PORTION. AN ARRAY OF CRYSTALS DEPENDS FROM CORDS OR WIRES SECURED TO THE CROWN BODY PORTION, AND CONVERGE INWARDLY TO ENGAGE WITH A BOTTOM PLATE SMALLER IN DIAMETER THAN THE CROWN PORTION. ONE OR MORE LIGHT BULBS CARRIED BY THE LOWER PORTION OF THE CORE PORTION ILLUMINATE THE DECORATIVE CRYSTALS ATTRACTIVELY. THE CROWN BODY PORTION IS SO CONSTRUCTED AS TO BE READILY DISENGAGED FROM THE MAJOR CORE PORTION BY OPENING IT OUT IN HALVES, THE TWO HALVES BEING HINGED TOGETHER, AND THERE BEING AN ANNULAR GROOVE FORMED IN THE CORE PORTION FOR RELEASABLE ENGAGEMENT WITH A MATCHING PORTION OF THE CROWN BODY PORTION. BY THUS DETACHING THE CROWN PORTION AND ITS CRYSTALS FROM THE CORE PORTION, THE CROWN AND CRYSTALS ARE EASILY IMMERSED IN A BATH OF WASHING SOLUTION FOR THOROUGH CLEANSING.

United States Patent [72} Inventor Solomon I. Nicokiris 1420 Grand Concourse, Bronx, N.Y. 10456 [22] Filed Aug. 30, 1968 [45] Patented Feb. 16,1971

[54] ELECTRIC LIGHT FIXTURE CHANDLIER 5 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

[52} US. Cl. 240/108; 240/78 [51] lnt.Cl F21v 17/06 [50] Field ofSearch w 240/108, 36,145, 10,78, 78C.F., 146

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,114,194 4/1938 Sadacca 240/10 3,321,622 5/1967 Wellhofer et a1. 240/108(X) FOREIGN PATENTS 1,115,071 12/1955 France 240/10 784,370 10/1957 Great Britain 240/ 108 Primary Examiner-John M. Horan Assistant Examiner-Joseph Hoffman ABSTRACT: A lighting fixture, chandelier and the like, with a major core portion engageable with a ceiling for suspension of the fixture, and an annular crown body portion carried by the core portion on framework radiating from the core portion. An array of crystals depends from cords or wires secured to the crown body portion, and converge inwardly to engage with' a bottom plate smaller in diameter than the crown portion. One or more light bulbs carried by the lower portion of the core portion illuminate the decorative crystals attractively. The crown body portion is so constructed as to be readily disengaged from the major core portion by opening it out in halves, the two halves being hinged together, and there being an annular groove formed in the core portion for releasable engagement with a matching portion of the crown body portion. By thus detaching the crown portion and its crystals from the core portion, the crown and crystals are easily immersed in a bath of washing solution for thorough cleansing.

PATENTEUFEBIS'ISTI Q 3,564,235. SHE-U 1 OF 5 .v INVENTOR. SOLOMON I, Nicoxuus PATENTEU FEB 1 6197! SHEEI 2 BF .5

B Y SOLOMON NICOKIRIS INVEN'I'OR.

ELECTRIC LIGHT FIXTURE CIIANDLIER This invention relates to improvements in electric lighting fixtures such as chandeliers and the like, especially ornamental fixtures such as crystal chandeliers.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved chandelier lighting fixture which includes a large number of crystals for attractively casting the light from a light bulb in the core of the fixture, and which is so constructed as to be easily disassembled for cleaning and inspection for possible damage.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved electric lighting fixture and chandelier in which there are several major fixture elements which are releasably engaged with each other to form the complete chandelier, and in which the major elements are separable from the main frame of the fixture so that they may be separately inspected, cleaned and repaired if necessary, without damage to the fixture, or interference with the electrical socket and wiring of the chandelier.

A further object of the invention'is to provide a novel and improved electrical chandelier ,with a large number of individual crystals dependent therefrom in an attractive array to suit the desires of the owner and user of the fixture, the crystals being attached either to each other in strings or rows, or in other manners, and to the main frame of the chandelier, the arrangement being such that the framework supporting the crystals can be easily detached from the underlying main housing skeleton frame portion, and, together with the crystals totally or partially as needed, immersed in a cleaning solution of detergent or other cleaning solution and cleaned off thoroughly of dust, dirt, grime and the like, so as to come out clean and sparkling for total beauty of appearance. I

Still another object of the invention is to provide a belt or crown element for the crystal arrays which is engageable releasably with the core portion of the chandelier, for supporting them on the assembled chandelier to complete the same, so that the entire array of crystals can be removed from the core element for cleaning and inspection, and if necessary, for repair.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved electrical chandelier with a large number of individual crystal pieces dependent therefrom in one or more of desirous attractive arrays to suit the needs of the user, and the decor of the room in which they are displayed, the crystals being attached selectively to each other in rows, strings or other manners, and so positioned as to catch and refract the light from one or more electric incandescent light bulbs mounted on the central core of the fixture.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved rack or frame device which is usable in conjunction with the portions of the chandelier which are removed for cleaning, inspection and repair, the rack device being shaped to conform substantially with the contour of the chandelier crown portion and its dependent crystals, and to be immersible in a bath, tank or tub containing a cleaning solution, such as warm water alone, water mixed with detergent or the like, or other cleaning agent, to subject the crystals and their supports to cleansing action without damage to them, and in fact without need for fine fingering or otherwise handling them during the process.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved chandelier lighting fixture, of the type described, which is simple in design, formed of few major parts, and which is attractive in appearance.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational viewof a chandelier according to the invention, with the crystals depending therefrom, but omitting the supporting central electrical core position, for clarity;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the main frame crown portion of the chandelier of FIG. 1, with the crystals removed from engagement therewith;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the top and bottom construction of the stand portion shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the main frame crown portion of the chandelier of FIG. 2, in closed position;

FIG. 5 is an elevational developed view showing the side, front and back views of the stand device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the main crown portion of the chandelier of FIG. 2, but in opened out disposition, and on a smaller scale than FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the crown portion of the chandelier of FIG. 4, but in opened out disposition, and on a larger scale;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a portion of the core portion of the chandelier, with one electric light bulb screwed into a socket therein, various elements being omitted from the view for clarity of illustration.

In connection with the use and manufacture of electric lighting fixtures, especially those of complex construction, such as crystal chandeliers, various problems have arisen, which it is the purpose of the present invention to overcome and avoid. Thus, especially in the dusty atmosphere of the ci ties, dust and dirt readily settles on the chandelier frame elements, and also on the crystals themselves. With a large number of decorative individual crystals hanging from the chandelier frame in strings and other decorative arrays or arrangements, it is readily seen that as they become coated with dust and dirt, their original lustre is dimmed. Further, their ability to refract light attractively diminishes to such an extent that they are no longer attractive, and in fact become so unsightly a problem, that,-unless they are cleaned quickly, the owner will not even desire to turn on the light.

However, to take each individual crystal from the chandelier, take it apart from the arrays or chains, and clean it, and then dry it and put it back, is somewhat of an impossible task for the average owner, and quite expensive to be done by professional cleaners, especially when it has to be repeated at frequent intervals. Further, there is the problem of possible breakage of individual crystals, and difficulty of their replacement to match the original shape and size.

The present invention provides a means for overcoming these difficulties, and to make the purchase and continued ownership of these very attractive lighting fixtures very desirable for the owner of an apartment or residence. Surely, there is no doubt that their presence adds considerably to the appearance and decor of the home. The chandelier according to the present invention is constructed so that it may be taken apart readily in units, the crystals being separated together with the main girdle or crown frame as a group, and draped upon a rack and immersed in a cleaning solution to thoroughly clean the crystals, and then allowed to dry. Then the entire assembly with the crystals, is easily assembled to the main core portion of the fixture, without need for expensive tools or other means, and this can be done by the average housekeeper, or maid or butler.

In order to understand clearly. the nature of the invention, and the best means for carrying it out, reference may be had to the drawings, in which like numerals denote similar parts throughout the several views.

As shown best in FIG. 1, there is a chandelier 10, with a girdle or crown portion 12, from which are suspended in a suitable array the crystals 14. The crystals 14 are interconnected by wires 16, and at the top of the crystal array 14, the wires I8, attached at one end to the topmost crystals, are bent over to form hooks which are inserted into holes 20 in the belts 22 and 24 of the crown portion 12. An undulating tiara portion 26 surmounts the upper ring portion 30 of the girdle or crown portion 12.

From FIG. 1, it is also seen that the arrays of crystals 14, converge downwardly toward each other, and have wire hooks 32 bent into and engaging with matching holes formed in the bottom light casting plate or tray 34, which is thus suspended and also aids in giving a completeness of form to the chandelier and its crystal array, as well as employing gravity to maintain the crystals in depending array. For an enhanced decorative effect, it is preferred to hang the top row 36 of the crystals by wires 38 bent into hooks engaging the holes 40 in the lower girdle ring 22, while the remaining three horizontal rows of crystals 42 are interconnected with each other by the wires, shown, and their uppermost crystals are engaged by wire hooks 18 in the holes formed in the intermediate girdle ring 24. This allows for more freedom of movement of the crystals and enhances their light casting and refracting ability.

As shown in FIG. 8, there is the central light bearing core portion 44 of the chandelier, with its decorative central shaft, 46 top plate 48, with supporting hook or eye 50, to which a chain or cable, not shown, is attachable for extending to the ceiling. Where the ceiling of the room is relatively low, then the chain may be omitted, and the eye 50 directly engaged with a bracket on the ceiling. Electric wires extend from the ceiling outlet through the core shaft 46, and into the connection ring 52, which is fitted with several sockets 54 into which lamps 56 are screwed to illuminate the lighting fixture and its crystals and the room itself. Only one of the lamp bulb sockets is shown for clarity of illustration, the number needed depending on the size of the fixture, and the room, and the desired level of illumination.

In FIG. 8, there is also shown the waist ring portion 58 which is narrowed down into the neck portion 60 between it and socket bearing ring 52. It is thus seen that the core portion 44 is solely that the portion of the chandelier which is always connected with the electric wiring and the lamp bulbs 56. On the other hand, an important feature of the invention, is to enable theremainder of the decorative lighting fixture shown in FIG. 1, to be totally disengaged from the core portion 44 for cleaning and inspection and repair.

In order to enable the removable portions of the novel fixture to be removed for such cleaning and inspection, etc., the present invention provides a collar plate member 64, shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, which may be generally circular in contour, and having a central opening 66 to engage with the neck portion 60 of the core portion shown in FIG. 8 by embracing or enclasping therewith. This is accomplished as seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, by forming the collar plate member 64 in two semicircular portions 68 and 70 with a dividing line at 72. Supporting arms 74 are secured by welding or other suitable rivets or other means, at their inner radial ends, to the two halves of the collar plate member 64, to arms 74 engaging each of the halves as seen in FIG. 7, where they are in separated swung out array. It is thus seen that when the two halves 68 and 70 are swung together as seen in FIG. 4, the they will embrace around the hub neck 60 shown in FIG. 8, of the central core portion of the lighting fixture. When this is done, the collar 72 and any lighting fixture portions carried thereby, rest upon the socket ring 52 of FIG. 8, and thus support the entire related portions of the fixture. By unclasping the collar 72 from the position of FIG. 4 to that of FIG. 7, there is the now obviously simple disengagement of those portions of the fixture which are to be cleaned and inspected, and, if necessary repaired. There is thus no interference with the central core which bears the electrical lighting wires and lamps.

As seen further in FIGS. 4 and 7, the radial ribs 74 are secured at their outer ends 80 to the circular annular ring members 84 of the crown portion of the light fixture, and from FIGS. 4 and 7, it is seen that the ring members 84 are hinged together at hinges 86 so that they may be swung outwardly from the FIG. 4 positions to the FIG. 7 positions and back again. It is also seen thus, that when the crown portion is opened out to the position of FIG. 7, the entire assembly of crown portions and depending crystals is separated completely from the core portion shown in FIG. 8, and is ready for inspection, repair and cleaning as needed.

For this purpose, there is provided a supporting stand or rack 90 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. When the crown portion of the fixture together with its draped array of crystals in strings and other formations, is disengaged from the collar 60 of FIG. 8, it is then placed or draped over the stand of FIGS. 3 and 5, with the crystals depending inwardly of the ring member 92,

with the underlying lower ring 92a interconnected therewith by the columns 94, and with the middle encircling stiffening girdle or belt member 96 secured thereto. The construction of the rack member lends itself readily to collapsible construction, so that it may be deformed into a small space for storage until needed for use. This can be done by placing hinge or pivot pins at all points of junction between the members mentioned, so that they may be folded against each other, much in the manner of well known shopping carts which fold by similar hinging into very compact and flattened packages.

It has been found that when the crown and crystal arrays are immersed in a cleaning solution, and the liquid is gently swished around the crystals for a short period of time, this will serve to cleanse them and make them brilliant again. There are various cleaning solutions available,-such as Oxydol, mixed with water, or other detergents, and also those especially indicated for use with glasses. While older crystal chandeliers are made of glass, it isto be understood that plastics have also come into vogue for this fixture, and that the cleaning solutions to be used will bear in mind the nature of the crystals for the best cleaning thereof. After cleaning, they are rinsed with clear water, and then hung up to allow to dry off, thus avoiding the need for drying of each individual crystal.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, there is a retaining girdle I00 which is intended to retain the crown portions together even when opened out as in FIG. 7, or in closed positions as in FIG. 4. The retaining girdle 100 is formed with two arcuategirdle sections or portions 102 and 104, in the form of arcuate hollow, tubes, and they extend slidably through sleeve loops 106 which are secured to the crown section portions 84. To allow for free opening and closing of the crown section portions 84 between the positions shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the tubular girdle portion 104 has a small flexible chain or link addendum portion 110 connected at one end to girdle portion I04,'a t and at its other end to the girdle portion 102.

As it is not necessary for the lowermost retaining girdle section 102 to slide when the parts are to assume the positions of FIG. 7, at least one of the sleeve loops 106, such as at 110, may be clampedor otherwise secured to the girdle portion 102 to hold it against movement, while the upper girdle portion 104 of FIG. 7 is free to slide in the loops 106 as the crown portions are moved to opened out positions. A releasable clamp member 112 is provided for engaging the slidable girdle portion 104 in any position to which it is moved, the clamp member 112 having a handle I14 turning a threaded shank 116, threaded into nut 118 engaging the crown portion 84, so that tightening of the handle or knob 114 clamps the girdle 104 at that position.

In order to assist in the opening and closing of the chandelier crown sections, a spring 120 is disposed inside the hollow tubular girdle portion 104, with a pin 122 inserted through the outermost end of the girdle portion 104 to retain the spring therein. The clamp member 112 acts as the stop for the other end of the spring 120, so that as the crown portions are moved from the closed positions of FIG. 4, where the spring is in extended position, to the open positions of FIG. 7, the spring I20 is compressed as seen in the upper portion of FIG. 7.

It is thus apparent that when the locking collar 72 is disengaged from the annular groove 60 (FIG. 8,) of the hub portion of the chandelier, for cleaning and adjustment, it is then possible to reclose the parts as shown in FIG. 4 again, and mount the removable parts of the chandelier on the cleaning stand 90 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. On the stand, the crystals depend inside the smaller ring 92 while the crown rests thereupon, and the whole is immersed in a tub or container in which there is a cleaning solution. This is allowed to soak for a while, and stirred up somewhat, toloosen dust, dirt and grime from the crown and crystals, and then is rinsed in a fresh bath of water, and allowed to drain dry, the crystals regaining their original clear sparkling appearance. The compressed spring aids in the closing to the FIG. 4 position.

From FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, it is seen that the smaller crown ring 22 is connected to the crown ring 24 by means of the radial rods 23.

From the-above description there has been presented a novel and improved lighting fixture and chandelier, which is easily taken apart for cleaning, by disassembling the crown portion with its dependent crystal array, from the major core portion in which the electrical wiring and lighting lamps are disposed, so that there is no interference with the electrical wiring at all. The chandelier is easilycleaned. As explained, the crown portion with its dependent crystals being mounted or draped on the stand, and immersed in the cleaning solution. After it soaks for a while, the solution is stirred up and the dirt, grime and the like falls off into the solution, leaving the crystals and crown portion clean. The dirt, grime and the like is then flushed off by a bath of fresh clean water, and the crown and crystals lifted out of the bath and allowed to drain dry.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in specific terms, it is understood that various changes may be made in size, shape, materials and arrangement without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. 1

lclaim:

l. A lighting fixture and chandelier comprising major core portion means, crown body portion means carried by said major core portion means, releasable engaging means carried jointly by said major core portion means and said crown body portion means for securing them releasably together, crystal means carried by said crown body portion means, and lamp means carried by said major core portion means for casting illumination upon said crystal means and outwardly of said lighting fixture and chandelier, said crown body portion means comprising an annular chandelier crown means, first and second crown means section portions forming said crown means, hinge means interconnecting first ends of said first and second crown means section portions, flexible link means interconnecting second ends of said first and second crown means section portions, so that said first and second crown means section portions are swi'ngably openable on said hinge means to open positions from closed positions while remaining interconnected by said link means, crown body portion means locking collar means, crown radial arms radiating inwardly from said crown body first and second crown means section portions and interconnecting them with said locking collar means for movement therewith, said locking collar means comprising first and second collar means halves carried respectively by said first and second crown means section portions through said radial arms, and constructed and arranged for releasable grasping engagement with said major core portion means for supporting said crown body portion means from said major core portion means.

2. The construction according to claim 1, and wherein said major core portion means comprises core shank means, annular groove means formed in said core shank means, and wherein said locking collar means halves are constructed and arranged for being swung together to embraceably grasp said annular groove means for supporting said crown body portion means thereon, and for being swung apart to disengage from said annular groove means to separate said crown body portion means from said major core portion means.

3. A lighting fixture and chandelier comprising major core portion means, crown body portion means carried by said major core portion means, releasableengaging means carried jointly by said major core'portion means and said crown body portion means for securing them releasably together, crystal means carried by said crown body portion means, and lamp means carried by said major core portion means for casting illumination upon said crystal means and 1 outwardly of said lighting fixture and chandelier, said crown body portion means comprisingan annular chandelier crown means, first and second crown means section portions forming said crown means, first hinge means interconnecting first ends of said first and second crown means section portions, whereby said section portions are swingable angularly apart about said first hinge means, a pair of locking disc halves one carried by each of said section ortions, disc su port arms radiating from said locking disc h ves and secure 0 said section portions, said major core portion means having an annular locking groove formed therein and constructed and arranged for being releasably engaged by said locking disc halves for supporting said crown body portion means on said major core portion means.

4. The construction according to claim 3, and comprising retaining belt means carried jointly by said first and second crown means section portions, spaced sleeve loops carried by said first and second section portions for receiving said retaining belt means extending therethrough, said retaining belt means comprising first belt means portion extending through said sleeve loops carried by said first section portion, and second belt means portion extending slidably through said sleeve loops carried by said second section portion, flexible chain link means connecting said first and second belt means portions at their adjacent inner ends, whereby, as said first and second crown means section portions are swung hingedly apart, said second belt means portion is slidably moved through said sleeve loops to bridge across the separated outer ends of a said section portions, and spring means for aiding by resilient bias an the return swing of said section portions when said crown body portion means is tobe reengagcd with said core portion means.

5. The construction according to claim 4, and wherein there is clamp means for clamping said second belt means portion to said second crown section means at any relative movement disposition 'therebetween. 

2. The construction according to claim 1, and wherein said major core portion means comprises core shank means, annular groove means formed in said core shank means, and wherein said locking collar means halves are constructed and arranged for being swung together to embraceably grasp said annular groove means for supporting said crown body portion means thereon, and for being swung apart to disengage from said annular groove means to separate said crown body portion means from said major core portion means.
 3. A lighting fixture and chandelier comprising major core portion means, crown body portion means carried by said major core portion means, releasable engaging means carried jointly by said major core portion means and said crown body portion means for securing them releasably together, crystal means carried by said crown body portion means, and lamp means carried by said major core portion means for casting illumination upon said crystal means and outwardly of said lighting fixture and chandelier, said crown body portion means comprising an annular chandelier crown means, first and second crown means section portions forming said crown means, first hinge means interconnecting first ends of said first and second crown means section portions, whereby said section portions are swingable angularly apart about said first hinge means, a pair of locking disc halves one carried by each of said section portions, disc support arms radiating from said locking disc halves and secured to said section portions, said major core portion means having an annular locking groove formed therein and constructed and arranged for being releasably engaged by said locking disc halves for supporting said crown body portion means on said major core portion means.
 4. The construction according to claim 3, and comprising retaining belt means carried jointly by said first and second crown means section portions, spaced sleeve loops carried by said first and second section portions for receiving said retaining belt means extending therethrough, said retaining belt means comprising first belt means portion extending through said sleeve loops carried by said first section portion, and second belt means portion extending slidably through said sleeve loops carried by said second section portion, flexible chain link means connecting said first and second belt means portions at their adjacent inner ends, whereby, as said first and second crown means section portions are swung hingedly apart, said second belt means portion is slidably moved thrOugh said sleeve loops to bridge across the separated outer ends of a said section portions, and spring means for aiding by resilient bias an the return swing of said section portions when said crown body portion means is to be reengaged with said core portion means.
 5. The construction according to claim 4, and wherein there is clamp means for clamping said second belt means portion to said second crown section means at any relative movement disposition therebetween. 